Despite Cost-Cutting Trends, Demand For Mobile Health Screening and Wellness Programs Skyrocket

Is it possible for companies, currently seeing their customers in cost-cutting frenzies, to see remarkable growth? For Professional Health Services (PHS), a PA-based firm specializing in delivering compliance-based health testing and wellness programs to private industry, government agencies, and municipalities throughout the U.S., it certainly seems that way. The business saw growth of more than 17% in 2008. Michael Kleinman, president and CEO of PHS, says the firm intentionally focused on new markets throughout 2008 and sought to increase demand for their wellness program solutions. They discovered market-defying growth, as government, municipalities and the public safety sectors found great value in ensuring their staff and volunteers were both healthy and physically capable of performing their often challenging duties. “Our mobile health testing units that travel to client sites across the country provide timely and cost effective services to our customers,” Kleinman said. “Our programs not only ensure vital members of organizations are able to physically perform their job, they also raise awareness of health concerns, thus ultimately reducing healthcare costs for everyone. Judging by our growth in 2008, we can safely say that our clients – both old and new – find the savings they gain in time and money invaluable in this economic climate.” The firm’s flexibility and mobility are two things that commonly attract new customers. Captain James Henson of the City of Little Rock, Arkansas’ fire department stated, “We selected them because they could come to us, which made managing the medical physicals for our staff much easier.” 2008’s new clients include four Army National Guards, adding to PHS’ broad range of government clients. Valero Refinery has been a customer since PHS launched its wellness program offering in 2006. Patti Blackman-Hill, occupational health nurse manager for the Paulsboro New Jersey refinery, works with PHS annually on wellness programs offered to 250 refinery workers, retirees and spouses. “The health and wellness of our staff is critical to Valero. We lean on PHS heavily for everything from planning to the actual execution of our wellness fairs and one-week wellness testing programs.” Ms. Blackman-Hill smiled and went onto say, “PHS is a partner that is always flexible and understanding. We have called them at least six times to change the dates of our events, and they are pleasant and accommodating every time. We wouldn’t even consider using anyone else.” Going forward, Michael Kleinman expects PHS to continue its growth in 2009, propelled by further penetration into new markets, upgraded mobile unit technology, and the forthcoming launch of their new client portal, which will provide access to comprehensive testing results and reports online.